Types of NAS

Each business has a different scenario and requirement for a NAS device. Before getting a NAS storage solution, ensure that it has all the critical features to address your needs.

Different types of NAS may be found on the market based on: the amount of data they can store, the volume of data to be sent via the internet connection at a given time, the type of supported hard drive interface, the type of client connectivity, RAID support, and many more.

We will discuss all NAS devices based on the three must-have features in a NAS storage solution:

• Scalability: Adaptability to growth without the need to create, pay for, and maintain several isolated points of storage.
• Redundancy: Ability to prevent data loss and maintain continuity of service in the case of hardware failures, software viruses, lost internet connection, and other related incidents.
• Manageability: Level of ease in setting up and maintaining the solution with minimal labor.

There are three main types of NAS devices.

1. Enterprise-level NAS

The enterprise-level NAS servers have high storage capacity, RAID support options, virtualization, clustering, and other innovative features.

Scalability: These features make it possible for businesses to scale up. The NAS server can provide connections to more than 1000 clients or users. A large company can expand swiftly across several locations with this extensive connection. Branch offices may access data remotely from a NAS device installed at the main office. It supports business applications such as email systems, accounting databases, payroll, video recording and editing, and data logging.

Redundancy: Enterprise-level NAS includes features like RAID and component redundancy to enhance disk performance, increase storage availability, and improve the ability of the system to operate without interruption in case of a hardware failure.

Manageability: Rack mounting is an enterprise-level NAS’s most important physical trait. With this feature, your servers are easily accessible and in one location, making maintenance, tracking down an issue, and troubleshooting more efficient.

Its centralized management interface allows you to configure new drives and nodes easily and store even more files in the available capacity.

Enterprise-level NAS also uses the Global namespaces technology, which simplifies file management when scaling up. It logically expands single file systems into tons of petabytes and files.

Examples of Enterprise-level NAS devices are: Infortrend EonNAS 3310, Infortrend EonNAS 3510, Synology Diskstation RS10613XS+.

2. SMB (Small-Medium Business) Level NAS/ Midmarket NAS

A Small-Medium Business NAS setup typically consists of a few computer users who share a printer and an internet connection. You can share files across the network in this setup, but there is no clear access and storage system.

Scalability: If you’re planning to use NAS storage to scale up your file-sharing environment but only require 20-64 TB storage capacity, a Midmarket or SMB-level NAS server is for you. A NAS device with fast processors will provide a better overall file transfer performance.

This type of NAS server is scalable, but unlike the enterprise-level NAS, it connects to fewer users.

Redundancy: Most SMB-level/ midmarket NAS servers have RAID and virtualization support. This type of NAS provides redundancy features that simplify various functions like backing up data in a system or hardware failure. It uses multiple hard drives, so if one fails, another drive takes charge of the task.

Manageability: The clustering of these devices is not supported, leading to file system siloes if multiple NAS devices are required. Backing up data becomes problematic since it resides in various locations. These NAS servers have advanced processors suitable for hosting applications that support email systems, accounting databases, payroll, video recording and editing, data logging, etc.

Examples of a small business line of NAS are QNAP TS-569 PRO and Synology Diskstation DS1512+.

3. Consumer-level NAS

Consumer-level NAS servers are the cheapest among NAS types. These low-end NAS are designed mainly for home users who need only the bare minimum of connectivity.

Scalability: Consumer-level NAS is not as scalable as the Enterprise and SMB levels. It supports up to 20 TB of storage capacity, providing connectivity to at least 20 clients. You can store and backup home users’ data, stream media files, share and synchronize files, and have remote access to your data with this NAS server.

Redundancy: Consumer-level NAS usually doesn’t support RAID functionality, and cloud backup is unavailable. But you can share files privately with friends and family.

It can provide private users with a personalized media server to backup and synchronize files or edit remotely. It can also create a private network between users and the printer, making it easy to edit photos and transfer them for immediate printing.

Manageability: This type of NAS provides user-friendly features such as a printer server and media server capabilities. It also has a built-in backup and file syncing that makes sharing documents around the office effortless.

Examples of Consumer-level NAS are Netgear ReadyNAS Duo v2, Synology Diskstation DS 713+, and QNAP TS-212 Turbo NAS.

Conclusion

No matter what size they are, businesses generate more data throughout the years as they grow. One of the best solutions is a network-attached storage (NAS) device. Acquiring a NAS becomes an investment that should help businesses long-term.

As mentioned earlier in this article, it is essential to know how and why you need one to buy the right NAS. Not all NAS drives are built equal, and like most technology purchases, the best fit for your company’s needs depends on your budget and planned usage.